WATCH: Joy Barcoma comforts anxious Binibining Sibugay 2026 bet during Q&A
Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma earned praises anew after she extended comfort to a Binibining Sibugay 2026 candidate who appeared nervous during the question and answer portion.
Barcoma attended the Binibining Sibugay 2026 coronation night on Monday, Feb. 23, where she served as one of the hosts.
In a video shared by photography studio Anthomer Sabacho Photography on Facebook, Barcoma and her fellow host were seen on stage beside candidate Cassandra Sajulga during the question and answer portion.
One of the judges read the question for Sajulga: “If you were appointed as tourism ambassador of Zamboanga Sibugay, what concrete project or program would you propose to promote our province?”
The beauty queen, who was visibly uneasy, apologized and asked the question to be read again. However, after the judge reiterated the question, Sajulga took a long pause which elicited murmurs from the crowd.
Sajulga held her chest, turned to Barcoma who then held the former’s hand as they had an inaudible conversation.
“Okay, I’ll be translating her answer,” Barcoma told the audience. “Let’s give her time. It’s not easy to be in front of the crowd.”
Barcoma restated the question and gave Sajulga choices. “Do you want a project that is focused on tourism, on education, or on health? At bakit sa tingin mo, ‘yun ‘yung project na maganda for your province?”
“My advocacy is education for everyone. I believe that a child deserves a chance to learn and dream, and…,” Sajulga answered, before taking a pause.
Sajulga later turned back from the microphone, and was hugged by Barcoma before the candidate exited the stage.
“I think the lesson that she taught everybody here is to give yourself some patience, give yourself some chance. She was really courageous throughout that round. It’s not easy,” Barcoma said, thanking the audience for giving Sajulga the chance to speak.
Barcoma, who proved herself as one of the most articulate beauty queens in the country today, has been earning praise for her versatility in hosting, with her comedic touch and witty quips.
The clip of Barcoma and Sajulga has garnered over 34,000 Facebook reactions, with netizens commending the former for how she approached the situation. Sajulga also received words of encouragement from netizens.
In a separate post on her Facebook page, Sajulga spoke about her experience and expressed her gratitude for the support she received.
“I acknowledge that I made a mistake. I stumbled — and I take full responsibility,” she said. “That night, personal battles, pressure, and exhaustion caught up with me. It’s not an excuse, but it’s the truth. And I’m choosing to grow from it.”
“Thank you for the love — and even the hate. Because my worth isn’t measured by a crown, but by how I show up and keep pushing forward,” she added. /edv
